Mauritius is a favored destination for foreign investors, offering exceptional real estate opportunities. With its tropical climate, idyllic beaches, attractive tax system, and a constantly evolving real estate market, the island attracts more and more buyers each year. Whether you’re interested in a rental investment or purchasing a second home, Mauritius is a top choice.
In this article, we explain the main steps to follow to become a property owner in Mauritius as a foreigner, as well as the administrative procedures required to make your real estate project a reality. Whether you wish to acquire a modern apartment, a luxury villa, or a property for a profitable investment, discover how to make your dream of owning property in Mauritius come true.
1. Understand the real estate market in Mauritius
Mauritius stands out with a dynamic real estate market, attracting investors from all over the world. The rental demand, particularly for vacation rentals, is constantly increasing due to the flourishing tourism industry, which is one of the driving forces of the island’s economy. As a result, rental properties, such as luxury villas and apartments, represent highly profitable investments.
Foreign investors can purchase real estate in Mauritius under certain conditions, particularly in projects specifically designed for non-residents. Moreover, the tax benefits and the political stability of the island make Mauritius a favored destination for real estate investment.
2. Conditions for foreign investors to become property owners in Mauritius
Foreigners wishing to invest in real estate in Mauritius must meet certain specific conditions. Indeed, the acquisition of property by non-residents is governed by law, particularly through programs such as the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES), and the Property Development Scheme (PDS).
- IRS and RES: These programs allow foreigners to acquire properties in luxury residential complexes, subject to a minimum investment.
- PDS: This newer program offers similar opportunities but with more flexibility and a wider range of location choices.
3. The steps of buying real estate in Mauritius
a. Select the ideal property
The first step is to define your purchasing objectives: do you want to acquire a luxury villa, a modern apartment, or a property intended for rental? An experienced real estate agency, like Côte Sud, can help you refine your choice and find the property that meets your expectations.
b. Validate the property with the authorities
Before signing any contract, it is essential to verify that the property you wish to purchase is eligible for sale to foreigners. A local notary or a professional real estate agency will ensure that the property complies with the applicable legal conditions.
c. Finance your purchase
The financing of a real estate purchase in Mauritius can be done in several ways. If you are a foreign investor, you can obtain a local bank loan, although the financing conditions may vary depending on your status. It is important to consult with local financial experts to determine the best options.
d. Sign the deed of sale
Once all verifications are completed and financing is secured, you can sign the deed of sale in front of a notary. The process is relatively simple and fast, which is one of the major advantages of Mauritius for international investors.
4. Tax benefits in Mauritius
One of the main attractions of Mauritius lies in its favorable tax system. The country offers an advantageous tax policy for foreign investors. Indeed, tax rates are low, and certain taxes are nonexistent. These factors make it a preferred destination for real estate acquisition. Here are some of them:
- Income tax: A capped tax rate of 15%, including for rental income.
- Tax exemptions: No property tax, no habitation tax, nor Wealth Tax for properties located in Mauritius.
- Exemption from capital gains tax: In the case of reselling the property, no tax is applied on capital gains
5. The status of permanent resident in Mauritius
If you plan an investment of over 375,000 USD, you can obtain a permanent residence permit for yourself and your family. This allows you to benefit from tax advantages and full residency on the island.
6. The profitability of the investment
Rental profitability and the potential for capital gains are key factors to consider before purchasing. Popular or rapidly developing tourist areas offer excellent appreciation potential. Therefore, investing in a high-demand tourist rental area ensures an attractive return on investment.
The tourist rental sector is particularly profitable in Mauritius, mainly due to the high demand for quality accommodations. By investing in a property in a sought-after area, you can benefit from an attractive rental yield. By choosing a property in an IRS, RES, or PDS program, you can even benefit from streamlined property management by specialized service providers.
7. How to finance your real estate purchase in Mauritius?
Foreign investors can benefit from real estate financing in Mauritius, which is often easier to obtain than in Europe. Here are the main criteria to obtain a mortgage loan:
- Age: The borrower must not be older than 65 at the time of the application
- Down payment: A minimum contribution of 20 to 30% of the purchase price is required.
- Debt-to-income ratio: The debt-to-income ratio must not exceed 70% of income, with a stricter limit of 40% for incomes below 200,000 MUR (approximately 4,035 EUR)
8. The steps to follow to become a property owner in Mauritius
To purchase real estate in Mauritius, prior authorization from the Economic Development Board (EDB) is required, primarily to verify the source of funds. Once the authorization is obtained, the notary prepares the sales contract and ensures the documents are compliant. At the time of signing, a Land Transfer Tax of 5% is due. For purchases over 375,000 USD, a residence permit can be applied for.
Become a property owner in Mauritius with Côte Sud
Purchasing real estate in Mauritius is a straightforward and advantageous process for foreign investors, thanks to a well-defined legal framework and attractive tax regimes. With Côte Sud, you will benefit from local expertise to find the ideal property. This way, you will optimize your investment in one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
